Enhancement of strength and corrosion resistance of copper wires by metallic glass coating

Abstract

Metallic glass was coated on copper (Cu) wires for enhancing their strength and corrosion resistance. The metallic glass coating has strong cohesion to the copper, and can effectively protect the wires from external forces and corrosive environments. Compared with bare Cu wires, the yield strength and the elastic strain limit of the coated wires have been significantly increased. The excellent corrosion resistance of the metallic glass coating has also provided essential shielding of the wires from chloride-containing electrolyte environments. The experimental results present a new technique for strengthening and enhancing the corrosion resistance of copper wires. © 2009 The Japan Institute of Metals.